Sprint MVNO FreedomPop has begun its transition from being a carrier-powered MVNO to a Wi-Fi service provider by launching a Wi-Fi only service plan that aggregates multiple nationwide Wi-Fi hotspot networks for $5 a month. The service will allow for unlimited voice and messaging through a new Android app that will automatically locate and allow subscribers to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots found in Starbucks, Home Depot and other major locations such as public squares in the new network. Eventually, FreedomPop hopes to include its customers in the network by leveraging Wi-Fi router access, similar to Comcast’s public Wi-Fi hotspot access found in its Xfinity routers and the Fon Wi-Fi network. A “coverage map” for the new service is found below:

The idea behind the service plan builds on the popularity of its free service model by allowing their customers to travel and maintain data/VOIP access, though as can be seen by the above map, coverage is highly dependent on the availability and reliability of Wi-Fi, which can be highly dependent on location. The service is available now.